Cancer Support Communities

Below please find cancer support groups and programs available throughout Southwest Colorado and Northwest, New Mexico. A printable list of support groups can be found within the Resource Guides tab on our website, and also on our Community Calendar. Please be certain to check on all meeting times and locations, as they may be subject to change.

Durango

ACS/Mercy Medical Center Cancer Support GroupThis support group is for care receivers, and caregivers, and is facilitated by David Shew.

The first group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of each month at noon.

The second group meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at noon.
American Cancer Society’s Cancer Resource Center (2nd Floor) at
65 Mercado Street, DurangoFor more information, call 970.403.0086.

Caregiver’s Support GroupThis group provides camaraderie and the sharing of tips, resources, and ideas to more effectively cope with the challenges of caregiving.

Grief Support GroupJulie Madden and Norm Gottlieb offer a grief support group for adults who have experienced loss of a loved one. This group is offered once annually, beginning in late October or early November and flowing through the holiday season into February.

For more information, contact Julie Madden at 970.749.7547 or Norm Gottlieb at 970.749.1357

Grief Support Group – Hospice of MercyThis is a facilitated grief support group for adults who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Participation is free and group size is limited to ten. Sessions are held a few times each year.

Meets from 7-9:00 pm on Thursdays for 8-10 weeks
First United Methodist Church
2917 Aspen Drive, Durango, COFor more information and to register, contact Kati Bachman at 970.382.2032

The Grief Center of Southwest ColoradoThis is an organization that maintains a network of bereavement specialists in Southwest Colorado (Spanish-speaking therapist is available). There are a variety of individual and group therapy programs offered, all serving children,their families, teens and adults who are experiencing loss in their lives.

For more information, contact Judy Austin at 970.765.7142

Hereditary Cancer and Breast Cancer Peer Mentoring ProgramThis is a peer-to-peer mentoring program to support one another through the emotional and social aspects of living with hereditary cancer and/or a hereditary cancer syndrome, as well as another just for breast cancer.

Look Good, Feel BetterThis is an educational support program provided by a licensed cosmetologist for those who are currently going through cancer treatment for any type of cancer. This program provides free products and helpful hints for patients to help them look and feel their best while going through chemotherapy. There are four sessions provided in Durango yearly, and for the times the classes are not offered, individuals may call 800.227.2345 and the American Cancer Society will provide CD’s outlining the Look Good, Feel Better tips.

For more information about local classes, contact the American Cancer Society in Durango at 970.247.0278. This program is volunteer-driven, please leave a message.

Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) for Depression & Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)Combining mindfulness meditation practices and mindful movement with elements from cognitive therapy, MBCT is designed to prevent relapse for people who have recovered from depression. MSBR is modeled on the internationally acclaimed program founded by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Classes and sessions are fee-based, and held intermittently.

Prostate Cancer Support Group “Man to Man”This is an educational supportive program facilitated by prostate cancer survivors for those who are experiencing any phase of prostate cancer. Attendees are invited to learn more about treatment choices and coping with prostate cancer.

Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm
Durango Public Library, Room 3
1900 East Third Avenue, Durango, CO

For more information, call the American Cancer Society in Durango at 970.247.0278. This program is volunteer-driven, please leave a message.

Reach to Recovery
This is an American Cancer Society Nationwide program for newly diagnosed men and women with breast cancer that matches them with a trained volunteer who is also a breast cancer survivor. Meetings are arranged by similar circumstances and are usually one-on-one over the telephone. These volunteers can provide an avenue to express feelings, verbalize fears and concerns, and ask questions.

For more information or to coordinate a mentor, contact the American Cancer Society 800.227.2345.

Shared Activity Support Communities

“We are seeing better, everyday function and overall quality of life for cancer survivors who exercise.” Kathryn Schmitz, Ph.D. American College of Sports Medicine

CancerFitThis is a program dedicated to providing anyone who has experienced any phase of a cancer diagnosis with affordable, supportive, shared exercise. The program provides personal trainers who have special training to work with cancer survivors and oversee all aspects of a personalized exercise regimen. Each regimen is designed to aid in recovery and general fitness.

Live by Living Walk Along the River
Join the SW Chapter of Live by Living, sponsored by Blueprints of Hope, offering walks along the Animas River for cancer survivors, patients, and caregivers.

Meets the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, mid-morning, time varies per time of year
Durango Public Library at the “Common Grounds” café
1900 E. 3rd Avenue, Durango, CO
To sign-up, visit: Live by LivingFor more information, contact Toni Abbey at 970.403.3711, or visit the community calendar at: www.blueprintsofhope.org

Yoga for HealingA weekly therapeutic group yoga class specially adapted for those who need a little slower pace and extra TLC. Beneficial for those who are recovering from or living with cancer, or who are experiencing any health challenges. This class utilizes deep relaxation, gentle stretching, overall toning and breathing exercises. All postures are adapted individually, as appropriate. A calendar of classes can be found at YogaDurango.

Meets every Monday from 2-3:15 pm
YogaDurango
1140-A Main Avenue, Durango, COFor more information and to enroll, contact Michele Lawrence at 970.946.8961 or michelelawrence@yahoo.com

Cortez – Dolores, CO

Caregivers Support GroupThe Caregivers Support Group is an organization that provides camaraderie and the sharing of tips, resources and ideas to more effectively cope with the challenges of caregiving.

Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm
Vista Mesa Assisted Living
1206 North Mildred Road, Cortez, CO

Meets the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 pm
United Methodist Church
515 North Park Street, Cortez, COFor more information, contact Elaine Stumpo at 970.259.0122

The Compassionate Friends Four Corner’s Chapter
The Compassionate Friends is an international support organization for families who have experienced the death of a child.

Meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm
Hospice Building at 1345 South Broadway, Cortez, COFor more information, contact Debbie at 970.565.4732 or Cheri at 970.565.6480

Montezuma County Breast Cancer Support Group

Meets the 4th Thursday of each monthFor more information, contact Sue Tompkins at 970.882.4484 or Ginger Kingman at 970.882.7586

Pagosa Springs

Caregivers Support GroupThis organization provides camaraderie and the sharing of tips, resources, and ideas to more effectively cope with the challenges of caregiving.

Meets the last Wednesday of each month at 11:00 am
St. Patrick’s Episcopal Church
225 S. Pagosa Blvd., Pagosa Springs, COFor more information, contact Elaine Stumpo at 970.259.0122

Farmington

Advanced Cancer Support GroupThis group is for adult patients with advanced cancer; their adult family members and their caregivers are welcome.